Design By Nature

Looking back on this shoot I remember feeling overjoyed to be given this assignment. As an interior design graduate, I was thrilled to learn that the home I was about to photograph was designed by the architect who actually lives in the home. I knew I was in for a treat. (As I often am when given assignments for Washington Coast Magazine.)

This home, owned by Anne and Will Foster, is gently nestled in the Montesano forest welcoming in the views from every space within the home. I remember so many of my interior design projects at WSU being centered around 'bringing the outdoors in', a feature that this home finely executes in every possible way. It was so satisfying to enjoy conversation with Will as we discussed interior design, architecture, and so many other little tidbits that slowly started to come back to me from my interior design studies. My heart felt so full. I never realized how much I craved this type of conversation since it had been so long since I experienced it. In the past, there was a time that I was so passionate about interior design that it was all I lived and breathed 24/7. That's what made meeting Will so wonderful. It was great to meet someone so passionate about architecture and see their love for the home they had built. A true reflection of oneself, as a home should be. Having the opportunity to photograph such a masterpiece was a privilege. The only bummer about shooting for a magazine is that I can't share the photos until they have been published. So, I'm quite happy to finally be able to share these photos with all of you.

If you'd like to read the full home feature, 'Design by Nature', you can pick up a copy of the Winter issue of Washington Coast Magazine at The Daily World, Greater Grays Harbor Inc., or a variety of other locations throughout Grays Harbor. I also recently saw that you can pick up a copy at Pike Place Market in Seattle.

Photo Credit: Julie Rajcich Photography/Washington Coast Magazine

Below: As you approach the Fosters' home you are greeted by an inviting staircase surrounded by beautiful greenery.

Design By Nature

Design By Nature

Below: The entrance with a custom designed door.

Design By Nature

Below: The doors completely open up which provides a lovely extension to the home during nice weather.
Design By Nature

Below: As you enter the home you're greeted by the courtyard area which includes a current pool that Anne likes to use for exercising. The windows on the opposite side of the room completely open up to the forest outside.
Design By Nature

Below: A unique piece of otter artwork. Will mentioned that when the front doors are open it's as though this otter is looking out to the otters just outside the door.

Design By Nature

Below: Anne enjoying the current pool.

Design By Nature

Below: Will's office is a truly functional space. Office features can be hidden away when guests arrive transforming this wonderful work space into a guest bedroom.

Design By Nature

Below: Here you can see the printing and plotting equipment disguised as a counter top and cabinetry.
Design By Nature

Below: The worktable area.

Design By Nature

Below: Here you can see the worktable tucked away and transformed into a Murphy bed for guest use.
Design By Nature

Below: The walkway leading to the kitchen, circular openings in the ceiling above allow for natural light to pass through to the floor below.
Design By Nature

Below: The main living area. The living room looking towards the kitchen and dining area. Above the kitchen you'll notice a lot of greenery. Will designed a watering system which feeds all of the plants so there's no need to climb up above for watering. Now that's what I call thinking things through. ;) Very convenient.

Design By Nature

Below: This is the one wall that received a great color treatment to tie in with one of their prized pieces of art.
Design By Nature

Below: Unique artwork can be found throughout the house. This pathway leads to a shared study which looks directly out to a deer path. What a wonderful way to feel in touch with nature.

Design By Nature

Below: I loved each and every view from the windows of this home. Nothing but greenery, greenery, and more greenery.
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Below: And who doesn't love a cozy cat pillow? Will and Anne's love for kitties was easily noticed throughout the home.
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Below: More kitties. ;)
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Below: A view of the kitchen looking towards the living room. The master bedroom is tucked behind the colorful wall.
Design By Nature

Below: I really loved their storage in the kitchen. Not only does this become a bit of an art feature with the nice lighting, but it's super convenient for grabbing a dish as you're prepping food.
Design By Nature

Below: Will & Anne Foster enjoying their deck. What a lovely couple. They were both very welcoming, open, and friendly. Thanks to you both for opening up your home to me and all of the Washington Coast Magazine readers.Design By Nature